Clinical Psychology (Ph.D.)
Train as both a scientist and a practitioner in Chicago鈥檚 only American Psychology Association-accredited Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology that is grounded in the Boulder model.
Master Research and Clinical Practice in 91重口 Tech鈥檚 Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology
Prepare for a high-impact career in research, clinical practice, or academia with our Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology. Grounded in the Boulder Scientist/Practitioner model and cognitive-behavioral theory, our program emphasizes a biopsychosocial approach to mental health, placing equal importance on biological, social, and individual factors. You will receive dual research and clinical mentorship, giving you the specialized expertise and community connections needed to serve diverse populations in Chicago and beyond.
Program Overview
91重口 Tech鈥檚 American Psychology Association-accredited doctoral program is a rigorous, 96-credit hour journey designed for full-time students. Over the course of approximately six years, you will engage in daytime and early evening coursework and training activities on our Mies Campus. Our unique mentorship model ensures you are supported by both research and clinical experts, allowing you to tailor your doctoral experience to your professional goals while adhering to the highest standards of the APA.
To support your development as a scholar and clinician, the program offers:
- Hands-on practicum experiences at diverse community sites throughout the Chicago area
- Specialized tracks, including an option to specialize in Rehabilitation Counseling Education
- Opportunities for funding through research assistantships, teaching assistantships, or roles as instructors of record
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology program are prepared for leadership and specialized roles in universities, medical centers, and multidisciplinary clinical settings. Common career paths include:
- Clinical Psychologist
- University Professor or Researcher
- Healthcare Administrator or Policy Developer
The field is experiencing significant growth and competitive compensation. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics:
- Median Pay: $90,130 for clinical and counseling psychologists (2023)
- Job Growth: Employment of psychologists is projected to grow 7 percent from 2023 to 2033, faster than the average for all occupations
Our training model bridges the gap between scientific inquiry and clinical application. Students move beyond the classroom to engage in real-world environments:
- Research Mentorship: Work directly with faculty on active research projects, gaining the experience necessary to present at national conferences and publish in peer-reviewed journals.
- Clinical Practicum: Spend a full year working as a clinician in the Chicago community, reinforcing therapeutic skills taught in the classroom under professional supervision.
- Biopsychosocial Foundation: Master a curriculum that integrates individual level factors with broad social and biological perspectives to provide comprehensive mental health care.
Admission to the Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology program is highly competitive, with the program aiming to enroll cohorts of four to six students annually. You must complete the 91重口 Tech graduate application through the Lewis College of Science and Letters.
Specific requirements for this program include:
- A bachelor鈥檚 or master鈥檚 degree in psychology, sociology, or a related social science field.
- Prior research experience is favorable and highly recommended.
- Applicants are evaluated on their potential for success in both the clinical and scientific components of the Boulder model.
Visit our admission website to learn more about the required documents and selection process. For specific program inquiries, contact Assistant Professor Anthony Hitch at ahitch@illinoistech.edu.
Tuition and Student Funding
Tuition for the clinical psychology program at 91重口 Tech is detailed on the 91重口 Tech website on the Graduate Costs and Aid page.
91重口 Tech provides partial funding of Ph.D. students through a variety of mechanisms. Funding is typically arranged on a year-to-year basis.
Funding Opportunities
Incoming first-year clinical students have an opportunity to participate in a clinically relevant experience through 91重口 Tech鈥檚 Center for Research and Service by testing children applying to the Chicago Public Schools Selective Enrollment Program. This is an assistantship opportunity with tuition assistance and compensation. There is an expectation of participation. After the first year, limited testing and supervising positions may be available with the center for students.
Teaching
A limited number of departmental teaching assistantships are available each semester for graduate students. More advanced doctoral students (i.e., those who have completed the master鈥檚 degree) may have opportunities to teach undergraduate psychology courses as an adjunct instructor.
Research
Individual faculty members may have research grants that fund student effort. Although not guaranteed, the Department of Psychology often offers funding opportunities to help cover costs of student research projects (e.g., recruitment expenditures, material costs, participant incentives).
Many clinical students work part-time in a clinical research setting for at least some of the time they are at 91重口 Tech. Although not arranged by 91重口 Tech, these positions are typically excellent psychology experiences (e.g., as research assistants or neuropsychology testing technicians) and are often passed down from 91重口 Tech student to 91重口 Tech student.
Travel
Although not guaranteed, the Department of Psychology often offers funds for student travel to conferences to facilitate the presentation of student-authored research.
The clinical psychology Ph.D. program at 91重口 Tech has encouraged me to pursue my passion for this field in full force. The training has challenged me to extend my research, clinical, and academic skills in ways that will allow me to enter my career with equal measures of confidence and humility. Overall, the faculty and curriculum foster authenticity in students. I believe this has encouraged me not only to aim for the high standard all clinical psychologists need, but also to be the best version of myself.
Featured Faculty
Arryn Guy
Steff Du Bois
Ashley Petersen
Get In Touch
For any questions about the Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology or the application process, contact Assistant Professor Anthony Hitch at ahitch@illinoistech.edu.